Asylums

Bensham AsylumThe Bensham Lunatic Asylum was a Psychiatric Hospital enclosed within
extensive grounds, established in 1799. Bensham Asylum, was one of three private asylums in Gateshead and expanded rapidly with the majority of
pauper lunatic patients being sent there from 1836 in addition to
private patients. The asylum was known as Glentons, after one of the
proprietors. The asylum was founded around 1830 and was in use until
around 1875 when the inmates were moved to Garbutt's Asylum at Dunston.

Wrekenton AsylumWrekenton Asylum was controlled by a Mrs Gowland and Mr
John Gowland (her son). Although there was a farm attached
where those patients who were sufficiently well to go at large can
receive healthy exercise and recreation, the crowding together in one
building of the 37 patients led in 1849 to 20 deaths from cholera.see here